I have patchy tans: what should I do?

Why does skin tan in spots?

The appearance of white spots after exposure to sunlight is associated with the following reasons:

1 Skin fungus. A common reason for those who like to sunbathe in a solarium. It is known that solariums are a breeding ground for fungus due to the fact that so many people sunbathe in them. Many people sweat a lot and come into contact with the surface of the tanning bed. As soon as the ultraviolet light goes out, bacteria begin to multiply in the dark, damp space.

One of these fungi can be pityriasis versicolor. It causes white patches on the skin that do not tan. This is a skin condition that occurs when the natural yeast found on the skin gets out of control. This process leads to changes in skin pigmentation. When this happens, the spots on the skin may become lighter or darker. Fungus can be caused by a variety of factors, including hot weather, oily skin, a weakened immune system, hormonal changes and excessive sweating. This condition is more common in teenagers and young adults or in those who visit warm, humid climates.

2 Paragonimiasis. This is a rare condition that results in unusual pigmentation on the skin. These spots may become more obvious and pronounced after sunbathing. This is a long-term condition that usually affects the skin of the genitals. It is common in women who have gone through menopause, but can also affect men and children. Common symptoms of this disease include smooth white patches on the skin that clump together and become dry. In addition, the patient experiences itching, flaky skin, blisters and pain during sex or during water procedures.

Although the cause of paragonimiasis is unknown, hormonal imbalance can cause it, and an overactive immune system can lead to this condition. This disease is not contagious. Symptoms can be managed with the use of steroid creams and ointments. When used correctly, the cream relieves unpleasant symptoms.

Causes

If you notice that white spots do not appear against the background of a tan, it means that the process of melanin production is disrupted. Before treating a problem, you should figure out what caused it.

The main reasons causing imbalance:

• genetic characteristics;
• diseases of internal organs and systems;
• vitiligo;
• fungal infection;
• use of certain medications;
• hormonal disbalance;
• inflammatory diseases that leave scars;
• chemical burns.

The amount of pigment produced largely depends on the color type. That is why there are such people in the world as albinos. They do not produce melanin at all. Their skin and hair are always white, and the sun's rays are very harmful and unsafe, so tanning is contraindicated in this case. Such manifestations cannot be treated, so you should be careful about exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The cause of the appearance of white spots on the skin after sunbathing may be disruptions in the normal functioning of internal organs, and therefore require immediate attention from a doctor for early diagnosis of a hidden disease. Among the most common diseases:

• diabetes;
• gastritis;
• ulcers;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• pyelonephritis;
• tonsillitis;
• liver diseases.

The same effect can be caused by taking certain potent drugs. They increase sensitivity, which leads to the appearance of white spots on the body, back and limbs after sunbathing. These include many antibiotics, tetracycline-based medications, and contraceptives.

Sometimes discoloration of the epidermis can be caused by a fungal infection. For example, different types of lichen can not only cause spots on the skin, but also color it a different shade. This is explained by the fact that the infection spores adhere tightly to each other and do not allow sunlight to pass through. After tanning, the affected areas remain untanned.

Vitiligo is a poorly understood disease, so it is difficult to say for sure what it is and how to treat it. Scientists have found that it is formed against the background of hormonal imbalance and belongs to the category of autoimmune. The main sign is that light areas appear on the back, neck, head, arms and legs. Hair discoloration in this area is also typical.

It should be noted that the spots do not manifest themselves in any way and do not create discomfort. They are purely cosmetic. After identifying this problem, the child is subject to a comprehensive examination by specialists.

White spots on legs don't tan

One of the causes of white spots on the legs is vitiligo disease. Tanning improves pre-existing skin pigmentation conditions. Vitiligo is one such condition. This is a disease in which the skin develops white patches. This occurs when melanocyte cells stop producing melanin, either because they die or simply stop functioning. The causes of this condition are unclear, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease. It can appear at any age and on any part of the body. Sometimes the white patches will spread all over the body, while other times they will remain the same.

Vitiligo often first appears as a small, pale patch of skin that becomes larger over time.

Vitiligo is generally harmless and not contagious, but its cosmetic appearance can cause emotional and psychological distress in people suffering from it. There are several treatments that can help reduce the appearance of vitiligo, including corticosteroid creams, depigmentation treatments, and phototherapy. Some of these treatments have their own side effects, so it is important to discuss all your options with your doctor.

Is it possible to do without cosmetologists?

After consulting with your doctor, the lack of melanin can be compensated for by medication, and you can also take a separate course of microelements - copper, zinc and iron. The menu of a person who is being treated for white spots on the skin after sunbathing should be replenished with:

• liver, eggs, oysters, cheese;
• nuts, hazelnuts, cocoa;
• lentils, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, beans, peas;
• cucumbers, spinach, prunes, raspberries.

These products contain minerals that promote the production of the desired pigment. Brewer's yeast and rosehip infusion are very useful for pigmentation disorders. It is considered therapeutic to drink 5 ml of ginger juice twice a day. You can lubricate the affected skin:

• flax oil;
• melon pulp;
• fresh parsley and cabbage;
• kefir

Spice balm

1. Take 250 ml mustard oil, 4 tsp. turmeric, a little parsnip juice and green walnuts.
2. Combine the ingredients to form a homogeneous mass.
3. Apply to problem areas twice a day.
4. Grind several aspirin tablets to form a powder.
5. Combine 20 parts aspirin with 1 part Vaseline.
6. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
7. Before sunbathing, cover light spots with cream.

Protective cream with aspirin

Don't forget: reducing sunbathing time and avoiding burns are the main safety rules for those who struggle with white blemishes on the skin.

Why do my legs get sunburned in spots in the solarium?

Many people are bothered by white spots after visiting a solarium. Their appearance on the skin after visiting a tanning booth is common.

Research has identified several reasons for the occurrence of such spots on the legs. One of them is fungus.

Solariums are a breeding ground for the spread of viruses and bacteria. It is well known that the fungus can be transmitted from person to person when a person comes into contact with a contaminated surface. In a solarium, mushrooms have everything they need to thrive: sweat, a humid environment. As soon as the ultraviolet lamps go out, the fungus begins to multiply and grow.

Scientists claim that some fungi can live on human skin for a very long time, while disabling the tanning function in the affected area.

If you notice any unpleasant symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor for further diagnosis.

Why is the tan spotty if I'm not a chimney sweep?

After several days of intense “tanning”... the tan seems to be spoiled by dirt: on the legs, arms, chest - spots of an indeterminate color everywhere, either gray or yellowish? We’ll tell you why the tan is uneven and patchy, and most importantly, what to do next.

And melanin again!

The pigment melanin, produced by melanocyte cells, is traditionally responsible for any changes in skin color, including spots on the body. The production of melanin in the body is regulated by the hormonal system, in particular the pituitary gland. Under the influence of sunlight, melanin enters into chemical reactions with protein molecules and turns into tiny dark grains. Then the melanocytes, through their processes, inject these grains into the cells of the upper layers of the skin until the stratum corneum darkens.

How to avoid or get rid of spotty tanning? 25763

However, the work of melanocytes may be disrupted, and then melanin will unevenly enter the upper layer of the skin, and the tan will appear in spots.

Dark spots

Dark spots on a tan appear when too much melanin is produced. This happens due to problems with the liver and biliary tract; thyroid gland. With ovarian dysfunction, with deficiency of vitamins C and PP.

The appearance of dark spots against a tan can also be caused by taking hormonal contraceptives, some antibiotics and sedatives, and herbal infusions (St. John's wort).

Dark pigment spots on the body and an uneven tan can be the result of the use of perfumes and low-quality decorative cosmetics, as well as intense peelings and skin resurfacing, after which you forgot to protect yourself with a cream with a high SPF factor.

Yellowish-brown spots (chloasma) often appear on the face, chest, and abdomen during pregnancy and disappear on their own after childbirth; chloasma can appear on the skin of the face due to helminthic infestation, as well as with frequent visits to the solarium and the use of cosmetics containing phototoxic elements.

Light spots

Light spots on a tan background, when there is not enough melanin pigment, can be caused by vitiligo or chloasma. What these types of skin spots have in common is that they appear due to excess UV radiation.

Sunbathers are especially concerned about vitiligo spots, which make the tan look dirty and patchy. With vitiligo, melanin completely disappears in certain areas of the skin, so that uneven white spots stand out against the background of a tanned body. The appearance of vitiligo spots can be caused by stress and metabolic disorders, inflammatory processes on the skin, exposure to drugs and chemicals. A predisposition to vitiligo can be inherited.

The appearance of lighter spots on the skin after sunbathing may also indicate the presence of pityriasis versicolor (varicolored) - a fungal skin disease that occurs against the background of reduced immunity and covers the body with small pinkish-yellowish spots.

Is it possible to avoid a dirty tan?

To prevent sun spots from appearing, strengthen your immune system: eat more fruits. They are rich in vitamin C and niacin (vitamin PP); be sure to use sunscreen, especially when taking phototoxic medications.

How to get rid of tan spots?

To get rid of tan spots, start with a visit to the doctor to eliminate the possibility of their occurrence due to internal diseases or fungus.

You shouldn’t “over-tan” - the spots may become even brighter. Why do you need a pockmarked tan?

There are many options for getting rid of sun spots, but there is only one way - skin whitening.

The most effective ways to whiten skin are peelings. But do not rush to whiten your skin with harsh peels immediately after a summer holiday; it is better in late autumn and winter. Otherwise, you can increase the photosensitivity of the skin and cause red spots, vitiligo, permanent age spots and other troubles on your skin.

In the summer, whitening creams and masks with lanolin, spermaceti, peach oil, and homemade masks made from cucumber, lemon, and parsley juice, which can oxidize the pigment and make it invisible, will help even out “spotty” skin tone after sunbathing. Be sure to combine them with the use of sunscreen.

Cosmetics for getting rid of sun spots in our catalog

Body scrubs

Facial scrubs

Soft tanning creams with protection against photoaging

Sunscreens for a soft tan with sea salt protection

The white spot on the hand does not tan

The appearance of a white spot on the arm may be associated with a skin condition such as Siwatt's poikiloderma. This chronic skin condition appears after the skin comes into contact with the sun's rays.

This is a condition that does not require special treatment. You just need to additionally protect yourself before going out into the open sun. Wear closed clothing and apply sunscreen to your skin.

In addition, ordinary scars can lead to the appearance of spots. Sometimes white spots are just scars that have become more visible after sunbathing. These areas of skin have lost pigmentation due to tissue damage.

How to remove a white spot on the body that does not tan?

If the cause of the white spots is due to a fungal disease, they are usually treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, which are often effective in removing the discolored spots. If these medications don't work, you should see a doctor for further testing to confirm that it is indeed a fungus.

Many people clear the infection completely, but their skin may remain discolored for some time (from a week to several months).

In some cases, it is impossible to remove white spots from the skin. In this case, it is important to carefully monitor your health in order to eradicate all problems before the arrival of summer.

If you have problems with sweating, you need to choose the right antiperspirant.

With a condition such as vitiligo, sometimes it is enough to take a course of vitamins to normalize the condition. It is worth limiting the time spent in the sun and stocking up on sunscreen.

How to hide white spots on skin that don't tan?

Fortunately, white spots are often a harmless phenomenon that is simply annoying and disturbing.

If white spots appear after tanning, there are a few things you can do to hide them:

1 Use bronzers. Applying bronze directly to white spots can temporarily mask them.

2 Use self-healing lotion. Applying a faux body cream will help even out your skin tone and hide any skin irregularities, especially useful in covering up white spots.

3 Use artificial tan. For those who want to be tanned without the risk of UV exposure, self-tanning is the best choice. It provides an even tan and can cover up white spots.